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PPBF: Brave Girl PLUS 50 Precious Words Contest

Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday, so you know we are going to have a review of a great picture book. Plus, because this is Women’s History Month, I’ve chosen a book that celebrates an important Mighty Girl in American history, Clara Lemlich.

But first I want to tell you about a mini-contest. Wednesday was the birthday of the incredible Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. One of his books actually came about because of a bet he made with Bennett Cerf, one of the publishing giants of Random House. Cerf challenged Seuss to write a children’s book using only 50 words. And the classic Green Eggs and Ham was born. It’s true that the story has over 700 words…but only 50 unique words.

If you are currently writing picure books…or just reading them, you’ll notice that the average word length is getting shorter and shorter. So I thought, wouldn’t that be a great challenge…to write a story for kids with only 50 words. With a beginning, a middle, and an end. I wondered if I could do it. And I decided to open the challenge to everyone. Here are the guidelines:

50 PRECIOUS WORDS WRITING CONTEST

Write a story appropriate for kids ages 12 or under, using only 50 words…they can all be different words, or you can use some of them over and over…just as long as the total word count for the story is 50 or less.

It can be prose, rhyme, free verse, silly or serious…whatever works for you.

Title is not included in the word count.

No illustration notes please.

Post the story on your blog if you have one and put the link in the comments OR post the story in the comments.

Deadline for posting the story or the link in the comments is Friday, March 18th…that gives you two weeks.

Winners will be announced on Saturday, March 19th, in our Will Write for Cookies post.

Prizes? Of course! In honor of Women’s History Month, a copy of Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough. And we’ll see what else I can figure out.

This just in!!!! Kristen Fulton is donating a seat in her April Nonfiction Archaeology class. Just to let you all know…I took her class in June 2014..and that was the step that led me down this path of writing nonfiction picture books. I wrote Sweet Dreams, Sarah the month after the class ended. And I’ve been writing nonfiction picture books ever since!

I’m also going to offer a mini-critique of a picture book manuscript…hopefully, after years of writing, revising, and critiquing, my feedback will be helpful.

Plus, I have a soft spot for mini-books…you know, those tiny books you can hold in the palm of your hand. It’s time to share a couple from my collection.

Stop the presses!!!!! Another GREAT PRIZE has just been donated! My fabulous agent, Essie White, is going to give a critique to one of the winners! Thank you so much, Essie! This contest is shaping up to be so much more than I had ever expected. Thank you so everyone who is posting about it and sharing on Facebook and Twitter!

Hurray…another great prize!!!! Next Saturday, as I mentioned, when I announce the winners, I’ll also be interviewing debut picture book author, Nancy Churnin. So I am adding a shiny new copy of her book, “The William Hoy Story” to the prize pool…woo-hoo!

I’ve been participating in Carrie Charley Brown’s ReFoReMo Challenge. The list of recommended picture books was astounding. Fortunately, my local library is able to get most of the books I request. Plus, they don’t have a limit on the number of books you can take out. One of my favorites so far is the story of the girl who led the fight for better conditions for workers in the garment industry. And I thought it was a stellar book to spotlight during Women’s History Month.

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909

Written by Michelle Market

Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Publisher: Balzer & Bray (2013)

Ages: 5-9

Themes: Courage, standing up for what is right, working together, labor unions

Opening Lines:

“A steamship pulls into the harbor, carrying hundreds of immigrants—and a surprise for New York City.”

Synopsis:

From Amazon: This is a true story of Clara Lemlich, a young Ukrainian immigrant who led the largest strike of women workers in U.S. history. This picture book biography includes a bibliography and an author’s note on the garment industry. It follows the plight of immigrants in America in the early 1900s, tackling topics like activism and the U.S. garment industry, with handstitching and fabric incorporated throughout the art.

When Clara arrived in America, she couldn’t speak English. She didn’t know that young women had to go to work, that they traded an education for long hours of labor, that she was expected to grow up fast.

But that didn’t stop Clara. She went to night school, spent hours studying English, and helped support her family by sewing in a shirtwaist factory.

Clara never quit, and she never accepted that girls should be treated poorly and paid little. Fed up with the mistreatment of her fellow laborers, Clara led the largest walkout of women workers the country had seen.

From her short time in America, Clara learned that everyone deserved a fair chance. That you had to stand together and fight for what you wanted. And, most importantly, that you could do anything you put your mind to.

Why I like this book:

This is a moment in history that comes alive for children and that is what I love about these newer nonfiction picture books. The author paints a picture with her words and the reader and listener are there. Fingers crossed that my Sweet Dreams, Sarah will do this also.

The wonderful illustrations support the text perfectly…and with text by Michelle Market and illustrations by Melissa Sweet, this is no surprise.

How a parent can use this book and related activites:

Great read-aloud.

Springboard for a discussion on how one person can make a difference. What would have happened if Clara hadn’t spoken up?

Talk about people in your family who may have had similar experiences.

If your child can speak with a grandparent or great-grandparent, they can find out lots of stuff…did they watch TV when they were a kid? What did they do when they got home from school? What did they learn in school? And, relating it to the story, did they ever go out on strike? If so, what for? Interaction between the generations is a valuable thing!

So, my friends, I hope some of you will participate in the 50 PRECIOUS WORDS CHALLENGE.

Oh, I knew I forgot something! Here is my little sample example for you…it’s a story I had been working with on and off. It was over 500 words…but obviously, I cut it drastically. I’m excited to read all of your wonderful entries which will absolutely positively be better than mine.

Pilar the Pirate (50 words) by Vivian Kirkfield

Pilar wanted to be a pirate captain. No treasure. No crew.

She enrolled in pirate school. On a scavenger hunt, Pilar and her partners filled the bag. Soon they were lost. Lenny blubbered. Jenny sobbed. Pilar said. “Follow me!”

“Aye, aye,” Lenny and Jenny piped up. “We’re right behind you.”

Have a wonderful weekend! I’m truly looking forward to reading your stories…I hope we have a lot of entries…this is a community of support and encouragement.

Wasn’t it a super story, Pat? And I never thought about relating family trees to the timeline of history…but I’m realizing that they would be a great way for young kids to connect to events that happened long ago. 😉

Oh yay!!!! I’m so happy you are going to participat4e in 50 Precious Words, Sue! I’m using Brave Girl as a mentor text also…I’m actually working on a story (my February 12 Days of Nonfiction draft) about an immigrant. Can’t wait to read your entry. 😉

Hi Manju…hope you get to read Brave Girl soon. I took out a huge stack of books for the ReFoReMo challenge and plucked that one out to read first…I’m so glad I did! Please please please do participate in the contest…I’d love to have you on board. 😉

The opening sentence of Brave Girl has me completely curious what surprise is in store for New York. Yup! I’m going to check this one out to find out. And I’ve already got the wheels spinning for a 50-word entry to your contest!

I love true stories about brave girls/women who made a difference in history. This book intrigues me because my grandmother worked in the clothing industry 30-40 years after Clara, as a seamstress and later as a designer.

Oh, that is fascinating about your grandmother, Pat. My mother-in-law told me that when she was a young girl back in Europe, she left home at age 14 to be a seamstress for a wealthy city lady. She was given a tiny room, a couple of meals a day, and she sewed all of the lady’s garments. Hope you get to read Brave Girl. 😉

Thank you, thank you, dear Janie! What a fun story! This is just the type of story kids will love…lots of repetition…it will delight kids the way digging delights doggie. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the fun. 😉 You and Stephanie posted at exactly the same time. 😉 A tie for first entries. 😉

This book looks incredible. I already started Googling this fascinating woman – woman at the turn of the 20th century were not messing around. Between suffrage and child labor laws, we owe them a debt of gratitude. Can’t wait to check this out.

Would love to see you take it on, Jess! The more, the merrier!
Glad the review sparked your interest in Clara…you are so right…it was so hard for a female to step out of the mold that had been cast by men…hip hip hooray for the ones who did…they led they way, for sure. 😉

A shadow stood outside a cave.
An echo called. The shadow waved.
“Hello, hello,” the echo said.
The shadow nodded, hi, instead.
“Come on. Come in. Be brave, brave, brave,”
said Echo, stepping from the cave.
Two shadows clasp hands in the sun.
They ducked inside. Now there are none.

Hannah…it’s a good thing I am going back over ALL of the entries…somehow, I missed reading this amazing one that you did. I love everything about it! Two fabulous characters…echo and shadow! Thank you so much for playing along. 😉

Oh my goodness…Stephanie..this is absolutely lovely! Thank you so much for participating…now i am REALLY getting excited. And I think you are the first!!!! Maybe there needs to be a prize for that also. 😉

Oh my goodness, Donna Mae..this is definitely a story every kid can relate to. 😉 Thank you so very much for joining in the fun!!! I’m thrilled to see so many lovely new (to me) writers participating!!! So happy to meet you. 😉

Too funny, I also wrote a dog story! I’ve posted it here, but will also post on my blog soon: http://www.frogonablog.net. This really was a great exercise in learning to cut words.

A Ride in the Car (50 words)

by Lauri Fortino

My tail wags fast.
My head’s out the window.
We’re going to the park.
Or Grandma’s.
Or Hotdog Hut.
Hey!
This is not the park.
Or Grandma’s.
Or Hotdog Hut.
My tail droops.
This place smells scary.
A shot!
Awrooooo!
What? Done!
Next stop, Hotdog Hut!
My tail wags fast.

Vivian – I love this challenge and I love the stories people have already posted! I can’t wait to read the rest! I have to thank you too, because your contest got me to post on my blog – something I haven’t done in almost 2 years!! I wrote my 50-word story and just posted it there. Here’s a link: http://loridegman.blogspot.com/. Hope you like it!!

My little story was feeling lonely over on my blog, all by itself – so I’ve decided to put it here with all the others. I think the other bloggers should do the same!

I Quit

My friend put forth a challenge that I thought was pretty nifty.
To write a story, using words – and limit it to 50.
But, now I’ve had a change of heart. This contest is absurd!
There’s just no way to wrap things up with only two more words.
I quit!

Woo-hoo…that is terrific, Keila…I’m looking forward to reading your story! And guess what? Kristen Fulton is donating a place in her April Nonfiction Archaeology class as a PRIZE…that is so generous of her! And I’m going to offer a mini-critique of a picture book manuscript as another prize. And a couple of mini-books as well. 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in!

I have never considered myself a wordy person, until this challenge. Phew! Thanks so much for putting this together, Vivian. It really was fun and a great exercise in writing succinctly. Here’s my go at it…

Anything but Broccoli!
By: Jodi McKay

Broccoli? Yuck!
I’ll eat beets, beans, even bok choy. Anything but broccoli!
Here boy, got a tasty treat for you.
Psst! I’ll do your chores if you eat these.
They will blend in nicely with my napkin.
UGH! I hate broccoli!
Only one bite?
Mmmmmm, not bad.
More broccoli please!

This story made me laugh, Jodi…and nod my head. I totally remember hating broccoli (actually love it now, go figure)…and wished we had a dog so I could sneak it to him. And I recall many napkins that became the repository for a couple of crowns. 😉 😉 Thank you so much for playing along…great job!

Hello Sandy…I hope you don’t mind that I grabbed this from the FB page…I wanted to make sure everyone got to enjoy your hauntingly beautiful story…50 precious words indeed. 😉 Thank you so much for participating!

Clickety clank, up we go through the dark scary tunnel.
Shifting with each turn of the wheels, my head bobs around wildly.
Screams fill my ears as we plummet down the steep drop to our doom.
Water splashes all around as the cries turn to laughter.
The ride is over.

Oh, this is lots of fun, Melissa…I used to love water rides…I remember when we took our kids to Disneyworld and we waited forever on a line for one of them..but it was worth it…what a great cooling off we had. Thank you so much for stopping by and for giving us this great entry to the contest. 😉

I forgot to include my information! This was written by Gabrielle Copeland Schoeffield for the March 12 by 12 challenge as well as the 50 word challenge. Thanks for having this contest! I had been struggling with this ms for a while and your challenge gave me the answer to the dilemma.

I’m so glad that Patty Sue woke up to such a lovely reality. Thank you so much for participating, Gabrielle. I read your entry and thought to myself, who is ‘awesomeauthor’…and then I scrolled down and saw you had answered my question. So happy you hopped on board…and I’m thrilled that the challenge helped you get past a story problem.

Drip goes the rain on the roof.
Through an itty bitty hole.
Mama gets a bucket.
But the dripping takes a toll.
The rain no longer drips.
Mama dumps the bucket out.
Papa’s hammer goes tap, tap.
“No more drips,” I shout.

Great idea. Don’t know that I’ll be able to pull something together, but it’s fun to think about what I might do if I can. And what a great picture book! I wish I had a library nearby. Thanks for the tip on a good book though.

I hope you do. Thanks for stopping by, Johnell. Even if you don’t have the time, I know you will be cheering every on. And who knows, maybe those 50 precious words will just come tumbling from your pen. 🙂

Thanks for stopping by, Carrie! I appreciate that, with ReFoReMo going strong and taking your attention, you took the time to come by and leave a comment. Of course it would be fun to have your enter…but I totally understand if you can’t. 😉

Hello Betty…thank you so much for stopping by…I’m sorry you won’t be able to participate…wish it was for a more fun reason like a vacation! But I’m sending you all good wishes for a successful surgery and a quick and easy recovery.
I look forward to having you visit and cheer every one on from the sidelines. 🙂

Julie, Julie, Julie!!!! One of my favorite mentors…our fearless 12×12 leader… participating in my little challenge? HOORAY!
And I LOVE your snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug story. I look forward to giving YOU a hug at the Wild Midwest SCBWI conference next month. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the fun! By the way…did you want to give you sweet story a title?

Hi Suzy…thank you so much for joining in the fun here. Kids love messes, that’s for sure. And I love that Grandma changes her tune as she gets into the activity with her grandkids. 😉 I know my grandson really enjoys ‘Grammy Camp’ because I love stuff like clay and fingerpaint and slime as much as he does. Super story!

Oh my goodness, Katy…this is hilarious! And I know just how that raptor felt…I used to love going to buffet restaurants and could eat one of each dessert that was displayed…and then I was always sorry I hadn’t kept a better rein on my appetite. But they looked so darn good. I’m sure that is just how hawk felt. 😉 Thank you so much…I’m thrilled you entered the challenge.

WOW!
I never thought I’d see a nonfiction biography in under 50 words…kudos to you, Robin…and many thanks for throwing your hat in the ring…and a lovely hat it is at that! So glad you are participating. 😉

I love you baby Boo!
Where are you going to?
Are you flying high?
Or are you racing by?
Are you kicking cans?
Or drumming on pots and pans?
Are you counting sheep?
Or are you fast asleep?
Sweet dreams baby Boo,
I love you!

I smiled as soon as I read ‘baby Boo’…one of the characters in my entry for Susanna HIll’s Holiday Contest was a baby Boo….I absolutely love that name! And I love your story, Angelique…a perfect bedtime board book for little ones. Great job!

Charlotte…I hope everyone runs over to your blog to read your entry…I loved it…you’ve got action, great characters, super sound words, and a beautiful kid friendly message…I never imagined when the idea came to me on Friday that all of these talented writers would participate…I am beyond thrilled!

Wowie is right, Jilanne. These stories are fabulous…and the spirit and enthusiasm of the writers is darn inspiring! Glad you liked the book recommendation…and I hope you are able to join the party with an entry. 😉

Hello Debbie…so lovely to meet you…and I’m thrilled you are participating in the contest. Your entry is FABULOUS! Great spot on rhyme and meter…and perfect characters..I’m already in love with Chippie! Thank you so much for playing along. 😉

Vivian I love you! Thanks for the kind words. We’ve been Facebook friends for several years. I never use pics of myself so I think it’s throwing you! lol if I put up a dog or kid you’d know me This is such a great contest and your site is rally buzzing!

Hi Vivian, did you receive my entry for the 50 word picture book? In case not, I will type it again. This is something I shared with my little granddaughter long ago. I can still hear her laughter. ” Again, Gramma,” she’d say. Thank you for your kind words regarding my upcoming surgery.

SMILE-Y GETS AROUND

Bouncy, bouncy ball-y
Bouncing down the hallway.
Up down! Up, down!
Sharing it smile, never a frown.

Hi Betty…no, I didn’t. The last comment from you said you wouldn’t be able to participate because you were having knee surgery…so I am SO HAPPY you are able to jump ( well, maybe not jump) right in. I’m glad you posted it again because this is the first time I am seeing your adorable story. It definitely made me smile…it reminded me a bit of the jump rope chants we used to do. Great job!

Hello Chana…good thing I am checking every post and comment…I’m discovering I missed commenting on a few…I think I went to your blog and commented there. But I wanted to add my thoughts about your lovely story here, also. I can definitely see this as a picture book…lovely images….and then..a rainbow in each droplet of water…how cool! Thank you so much for joining in the fun!

Angie…my dear sweet rhyming guru…I am thrilled beyond words that you are participating in my little challenge. THANK YOU! I just read your 50 Precious Words out loud and couldn’t stop smiling. Totally spot on and hilarious…and a great showing of how we can use BIG words, strong verbs, and colorful language to get our story across…without sacrificing the meter. 😉

And here’s another entry from the lovely Tracy Bryan who runs the AWESOMENESS blog. Do you know what she did???? She created a 50 word challenge for kids!!!! Oh my gosh…that is ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY FABULOUS!!!!
Thank you so much, Tracy…I’m touched and thrilled that you passed this challenge along to kids…after all, that is why we are all writing for children, right? We want to touch their lives in a positive way…and you are definitely doing that! I hope you get a lot of entries.
Here’s the link to Tracy’s terrific entry…you won’t want to miss this one: http://tracybryan.com/blog/sam-i-am-contest-part-of-the-awesomeness-blog/

Whoa! How did you insert so much suspense/tension in under 50 words? Julie…this is a wonderful story…with a great mc and lovely rhyme…so kid-friendly…I can see Little Tiger in a picture book, for sure! Thank you so much for joining in the fun!

So happy you did that, Tim. Yes, it’s a great idea…but I didn’t want to do that for anyone who posted on their own blog, just in case they wanted to have visitors come to their blog instead of just coming here…I only grabbed stories that people posted on Facebook pages because I was afraid no one would find them. 😉 But that was good advice from Lori. 😉

Here is my entry. It’s a little “out there” but hopefully kids could see what I was doing by using up the 50 words as I wrote. It’s the idea that came to me, so I just ran with it. Thanks for the fun!

USE YOUR WORDS
by Kristen Schroeder

Who’s afraid of 50 words?
Not me.
Even forty-three words can be turned into something magical.
Or thirty-four words, that is a good place to start.
But if I only had twenty-seven words, could I still do it?
Of course! Because I only need three precious words.
I love you.

Kristen…this is a totally clever and sweet and wonderful story…you are a smart cookie to play on the low word count as the subject for your entry. You deserve a dozen…maybe one day we will meet in person…the cookies will be on me. I really love it! And I’m so happy you are participating…what fun to see all of these amazing stories. 😉

Katy…I AGREE! The enthusiasm I feel in both the entries and the comments is AMAZING! I think somehow this challenge tapped into everyone’s inner child…like maybe only having 50 words freed people up to have fun with it. Maybe…or maybe the kid lit fairy godmother sprinkled happy magic dust and we are all in a state of bliss while we are working on our stories. 🙂

And I am so thrilled about that, Patti! Thank you for entering the contest and giving me something to look forward to…yes…spring will definitely be coming soon. 😉 I love your topic and all of the animal and nature action going on in your story…AWESOME!

So happy to have found your blog Vivien! Such great energy and enthusiasm for writing. Here’s my entry: http://cathystenquist.tumblr.com
I’m pasting Cathy’s story here so everyone can see it:

I did it!
What?
Yep, I did it.
Where?
There!
Really?
I think so…?
You better check. Well?
It’s true! I did it!
But, you said…
I know.
I’m surprised!
Me too!
That’s amazing!
I really did it!
Are you happy?
I am.
I’m proud of you.
Me too.

Hello Cathy! So glad you stopped by to post your link. I can’t get over the enthusiasm of all of these talented writers. 😉
I truly think kids would identify with your story…it totally worked for me…I think we all question whether or not we will be able to accomplish what we set out to do…and your 49 words gave us a true sense of how the mc was questioning herself..and then the joy when she realized she had reached her goal. Whoot! Whoot! You sure did reach yours!!!! Thank you so much. 😉

What a perfect entry, Jaclyn…just in time for St. Patrick’s Day! I’m so happy the contest jived with your goal of writing a story for every holiday…I actually love that idea! Thank you so much for joining in the fun. 🙂 And I loved your funny twist at the end. 🙂

Oh my gosh, Susan…isn’t that how life is sometimes? We want to do something and the other person doesn’t…and when they are finally ready, we are busy with something else. Sloth and Squirrel…what a great pairing…opposites in activity and energy. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the fun with such a great entry!!

Frogs crashed the princess party scene…
Pink and green Mayhem!
Princesses running every which way
Except for Nina
Who saw an opportunity…
Nina gave a kiss on a warty head
And the only thing that happened is…
She skipped on her merry way
And gave up kissing frogs that day!

Remy’s mouth watered when the doorbell rang.
His stomach rumbled in anticipation.
He crept towards the kitchen.
His nose nudged open the door.
The crispy crusts crunched.
He ran from the room before the scolding began.
Licking his chops, he wondered,
“Why do they keep food in the trash?”

Oh Susan…you got me! I was sure this little pup had eaten the pizza that was sitting on a counter…but he only ate what was in the garbage…great story with a subject kids will be able to relate to. 😉 Thank you so much for coming over and joining in!

A boy
And some skates
And a great
Frozen lake.
A girl
And some twirls
With wind
Through her curls.
How they glided
And swizzled
And leaped
and giggled.
Till the sun
Set beyond
That great
Frozen pond.
And they left,
Skates in hand —
A grand ice
Routine planned.

Thanks so very much, Gregory. I love ‘That’s a Big Mouse!’…what a fun story with great action. I’m glad you joined in. Would you like me to grab the story from your blog and post it here…or do you want to leave it on your blog? Some people have done both to make sure people don’t miss reading it…but it is totally up to you. 😉

This was the biggest mouse Henry had ever seen in his kitty life.
His rump wiggled and jiggled waiting to pounce.
He flew into the air and landed on his target.
“OUCH!” a familiar voice screamed.
It was his mother’s foot in a plush mouse slipper.

OK, I’ll take the plunge! Thanks for doing this, Vivian! I love all the others!

(The two lines about the birds were supposed to be indented in a different font, but it didn’t work here. Whoops! )

YUM!
By Ellen Leventhal

Marianne went out one day,
set food down on her red lunch tray.
Birds came swarming in a bunch,
swooping close down near her lunch
The hummingbird grabbed one black bean
Two crows pecked her whole plate clean.
Marianne thought, “That’s ok.
The birds need it more than me today.”

You know something…I think you could make this a counting picture book….with a longer word count, of course. 😉 I love it,Ellen…I’m so glad you were able to get a story written…I know you’ve been watching for possible flooding. Thank you for playing along. 😉

A mischievous wind blew Ant’s balloon into the grasses.
Ant searched by land, but couldn’t find his balloon.
“I need a new perspective.”
Ant climbed a hollyhock.
At the tippy-top he found a new friend, his balloon held tightly in her hand.
And soon he had her hand in his.

I’m adding Lynne Marie’s story here so no one will miss it:
FAR AWAY FRIENDS by Lynne Marie

Penguin and Polar from opposite ends,
First became pen pals, and next became friends.
Then came the problem – they lived far away.
How would poor Penguin and Polar bear play?
Neither gave up – they were just not the type.

Zowie! Awesome story, Lynne Marie. I love your main characters…hold on to them…they would make a great early reader series…Penguin and Polar Bear conjure up a great visual. And your rhyme was wonderful. 🙂 Thanks for playing along.

This was a fun challenge, Vivian. All the stories are fantastic! Here is mine.

POOL PARTY
By Jenna Grodzicki

Splash! Pool party!
But Emma can’t swim.
Dipping toes is not enough.
What to do?
Look! What’s that?
Sammie swims over with a float.
“You can join us in the pool on this!”
Slowly, carefully, Emma climbs aboard.
Her grin is as bright as the sun.
Giggle! Giggle! Splash!

My sister always called me a little mouse…but I think I am more like your rabbit…with big front teeth…and I do love carrots. 😉 What a great story, sg…Wonderful character…and I really connected. I appreciate you joining in the fun of #50PreciousWords. 🙂

Love the message, Rita…helping each other and working together…that is perfect…just what we need to do in our kid lit community. 😉 You are wonderful to do three stories for the contest…hats off to you, dear lady. 😉

Oh dear, Rita…this is definitely thinking outside (or perhaps inside) the box. I think Hamster is a bit gullible and Dog and Cat are clever entrepreneurs…how much are they charging Hamster for the trip to Alaska? 😉 Very creative…and a wonderful entry into the challenge!!!

Actually I aimed for herman is a mad crazy selfish hamster .While dog is practical and tries to straighten herman hamster.Cat is worried about herman and his escapades too. They do his bidding just to appease herman mad scientist side.
😆

What a challenge! I might just see what I can come up with! From the looks of the comments, you have your work cut out for you with the judging! Thanks for being a part of the Booknificent Thursday reading community this week!
Tina

So glad there was a happy ending, Nina…great characters…and I loved that the fish and the tiger had the same markings…best friends forever, perhaps. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the challenge…this is fun!

Hi Vivian! I wrote this in response a girl who told her story on NPR about leaving Iran and the guilt she felt about being able to leave. It’s definitely on the older end of the age bracket you set for us!

Peeking
out the apartment window
Fearing
all I see:
Men protest, women scurry, children flee

Should I stay?
Speak and fight?
Or continue…

Cowering
For my life
Betraying
What I know is right…
because
I have too much to lose.
I can leave this all behind.

And so I do.

Thanks for allowing us to join in on this challenge! I love it. Totally needed to focus on writing something new. 🙂

Shari…I need to complain to WordPress…there should be a ‘love’ button, not just a ‘like’ one. 😉
Please don’t apologize for the age level…in war-torn countries, children much younger than 12 are soldiers, children much younger than 12 are scavenging garbage heaps for a bite to eat, children much younger than 12 are walking many miles to skim a bucket of water from a dirty river so there will be something to drink…your story is lyrically beautiful and exceptionally powerful…about making choices, which children much younger than 12 have to do every day.
Did I already say I love it? I’m grateful you entered the contest…thank you so much!

Aw, you are welcome…and you made me tear up with the truth of your words. I lived in a remote village in the Philippines for a while and have seen these things, of which you speak, firsthand. I’m happy that I could enter the contest. Thank you, Vivian!

I LOVE cowboys! And I love ice cream even more! Great story, Monique, with lots of action kids would love…thank you so so much for playing along with my little challenge. It’s turned into so much more than I had hoped for…people are really throwing their hearts into it. 😉

I didn’t think I’d find time for this fun challenge, Vivian. But I did! Thanks for creating it. Here’s the link to my post with my 50-word story. My entry is GONE FISHING https://alaynekaychristian.wordpress.com/

Oh no…when do I find out what happens….I need to know…will she get her dreams back? This is so creative, Georgina…and I LOVE that the nightmare has stolen Ida’s dreams…I think there is a real pb here. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the challenge!

Hello Vivian, By accident I keft my story on Jenn garret’s site. I do want to try your wonderful idea so, delay, delay till tomorrow and then my ‘Welsh play’ will arrive ( I hope).
Some great entries here. You are a generous lady. I will look for the Brave girl story too.

Hello dear Jane…I’m so excited that you are going to hop on board the #50PreciousWords Contest! Do you need me to grab your story from Jenn’s site? Or can you post it here yourself? Let me know.
Yes, I hope you get to read BRAVE GIRL…it’s a fabulous story. 😉

Hello Geneva…you had me from the title! Beautifully lyrical…now I want to know more…will Clara come back again and have more adventures with the silver-winged fairies? I thank you so much for playing along with my little contest. 😉

Thank you, thank you, Barbara…I’m so very happy you stopped by and enjoyed the review. Yes, Brave Girl is a must read! I hope you’ll be back every Friday for another Perfect Picture Book review…plus I truly hope you give the #50PreciousWords Contest a whirl…come on in…the water’s fine!

I did check it out, you sweet lady! And it is a wonderful story…I loved it…and I love your website banner/header! Do you want to also post the story here? A lot of people have done that to make sure everyone gets to read it…but I didn’t want to make that a requirement, because I wanted to encourage people to visit other blogs. So it is up to you. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the fun!!!!

I love your idea of all types of kisses, Christine…that would actually make a lovely board book for wee ones!!!! Hold that thought. 😉
Hooray for you joining in the contest fun…thank you so much for participating with this wonderful story. 😉

Now I am definitely hungry! I LOVE peanut butter, Kathleen…actually, almond butter. 😉 This is so very cute…and I think kids would love a story like this…great action…and adorable rhyme. Wonderful! I’m so glad you decided to join in the fun. 🙂

Oh, I forgot; the ending is a sort of light joke about the rabbit/person accepting their two large front teeth, being proud of their imperfections. It’s meant to let the reader and or illustrator imagine it for themselves: a quiet rabbit letting out a loud “Crunch”, eating a carrot, or leafy greens.

Perfect, sg. 😉 And yes, I was that little girl with the two big front teeth and a little bit of an overbite…so I totally connected with your character. 😉 And so true about rabbits being quiet…yet when they eat, they get to express themselves with a crunch!

I’ve finally thought of a better summary of my story. Basically, it’s about how quiet kids are stereotyped by teachers and students who are more extroverted as being fearful, “like a mouse”, when in reality, what they don’t understand is that introverted children aren’t “fearful”; being an introvert, similar to rabbits, is sometimes liking peace and quiet, yet they sometimes also like being in the company of others. Despite the stereotype, they don’t like being alone or ignored by everyone all the time.

It’s a story I wish had been told to me, my classmates, and teachers, because after constantly basically being teased and told that “you’re a mouse”, as though having a quiet personality was weird or wrong in the world, I grew up not liking myself, either.

I totally hear what you are saying, sg…in fact, when people ask what kind of child I was, I tell them: timid and intimidated. I ALWAYS loved people…and one on one, especially if I knew them, all was well. But going into new situations, meeting new people, or having to speak to a large group…those things made me uncomfortable. But I was lucky…I always liked myself..I just didn’t have confidence. I hope you look at yourself in the mirror every day, smile, and realize that you are lovely…and that quiet is a fine kind of person to be. 😉 😉 And thank you for the explanation of your great story. 😉

Hi Vivian,
I saw your post for this delightful contest on the 12×12 Facebook page. I love these kind of challenges. They flex the writing muscles and force me to look at things in a new way. Thank you for the chance to participate!

Hi Sara…I’m thrilled to meet you via the #50PreciousWords Contest. And I’m thrilled with your story! WOW…Action, adventure, suspense…all exploding in the colors of the rainbow…and a happy ending to boot. What could be better! Thank you so much for participating…I can tell you your writing muscles are in excellent condition. 😉

Here is my story in 50 words; it is The King’s Concern and is a conversation between him and Myrdd, a wizard with both delighted at the end t i from a 7th century myth about the red dragon who is now on the Welsh flag.

Hello Jane…I’ve always loved myths, legends, and stories about magicians. Wizard Myrdd…great name…and Snowdon sounds like a place we need to find out more about. Plus a happy ending…what could be better! Thank you so much for entering your #50PreciousWords. 😉

Hope it is all right as it did not print as poetryin shorter lines. Myrdd is pronounced Myrthas welsh “DD” makes a th sound.His full name Myrddyn would not fir my rhyme well.Oh the first y has a ‘er’ sound and the second is short i. The welsh used to avoid vowels to save taxes!

Of course I remember you, dear Eloise. 😉 And I am so very happy you are joining in the #50PreciousWords fun. I love your story…spot on meter…and great suspense…plus, best of all…a happy ending. So glad your mc was clever and managed to ride away. 😉 thank you so much for posting your wonderful story. 😉

50 words in the story, not counting the title and my byline.
Thanks for the fun challenge! joanleotta@atmc.net

Lost Bracelet
by Joan Leotta

“Mother, did you see
my red string bracelet?
Mother said, “No.”.
As Rita searched her own room
she heard chirping.
She looked out her open window
and saw a bright red thread
lacing through the bird’s nest.
“I guess birdie needed my bracelet
to build her house.
Glad to help!”

So lovely to meet you, Joan! Thank you for entering the #50PreciousWords Contest with such a wonderful story. I love your main character and her problem…and I love her reaction when she discovers who took her bracelet. What a perfect spring story for kids. 😉

Patricia…you added a lovely touch of spring with your engaging story! Thank you so much…I loved the nest-building contest between the two birds…WELL DONE! I’m so glad you joined in the fun. And what a challenge to write the story in dialogue. 😉

Thank you so much, Betty….I appreciate you taking a peek at some of my other posts. I’ve been participating in Susanna Hill’s writing contests for several years…she’s actually my inspiration for doing this one. 😉

Here is another!!!! From a dear writing friend..and WOW retreat flight seat-mate, Mona Pease. I had the biggest smile after I read it. Great story, Mona…thank you so much for hopping on board with a wonderful kid-friendly story. And your rhyme and meter are spot on!

Wow I just love a great story about amazing and strong girls! Can’t wait to get a copy for my own strong amazing little girl. I also love writing challenges….50 words…whew wasn’t easy but here’s a link to my entry. http://thenightingaletales.com/2016/03/12/50-words-or-less/ Thanks for hosting such a fun contest!

I’m so glad you liked the review of Brave Girl, Jean. And I’m so so so glad you entered the contest. And with TWO entries. Your stories are great…you say it wasn’t easy…but you pulled it off so well! I hope everyone hops over to read them. Would you like me to grab them and post them here to make sure everyone gets to read them? Or it’s fine if you want to leave them on your blog. 🙂

And here is Jean second entry. Very clever! She gives us a bit of background:
I also wrote this next one in honor of the wonderful, silly relationship between my son and his Grandma Silly (Yes they actually call her Grandma Silly!)

Fox Breaking News:

After being sentenced to a life of spinning for crimes committed against the animal kingdom, The Evil Dr. Gerbil managed to escape from his prison wheel today. The notorious Pack Rat Gang is believed to be involved. Police Chief Wallaby has summoned Wonder Weasel.

I’ve got nothing to say.
And when I’ve got nothing to say, that’s it.
You can beg.
You can cry.
You can plead.
You can take a rocket ship to the planet of Words R Us.
You won’t get one single, solitary word out of me.
But you will get…
50.

This is so much fun, Nancy! I absolutely LOVE the rocket ship to the planet of Words R Us…I need to go there sometime, to find the right words for a story. 🙂
Thank you so much for joining in the fun. And…I am so so so excited for next Saturday, when we will announce the winners of the #50PreciousWords Contest on the Will Write for Cookies post where I’ll be interviewing the one and only…Nancy Churnin! Hurray!
I actually just got something in the mail from Kristen…a SIGNED copy of your book…I guess she got it at your book launch last week in Texas. I am thrilled and honored to have it…thank you so much for the wonderful inscription. I am going to donate the copy I had already purchased as another PRIZE for this contest…there are so many wonderful entries, I think another prize is definitely in order. 😉

Hahaha…love the ‘never mind’ choice! This is so much fun, Lauren…and with kids so tech and text savvy, they would definitely relate. 😉 Thank you so much for joining in the contest. It’s great to see how many different roads writers can travel with only 50 Precious Words. 😉

Vivian, it started out as a picture book. I have revised it and honed it and worked on it for some time. The PB version is 200 words long, so I had to trim it down considerably for this contest. I haven’t had any luck finding a publisher for the full-length version, though. 😦

Thank you for stopping by, Marylin…this has been so much fun. The contest was a last minute thought when I heard it was Dr.Seuss’ birthday…and it has become so much more than I could have ever imagined…I’m thrilled with the turnout. 😉 And I’m definitely going to be asking our local Girl Scout cookie sellers if they have any Thanks-a-lot boxes. 😉

Hurray for the sun! Thank you, thank you, Linda, for joining in the fun. Great images here…I love the fiery circle in the sky…a portend of things to come for our dear snowman. And I LOVE your title!!!!!

Amelia Earhart was a tomboy. She dared to jump fences, climb trees, and ride horses bareback. When she grew up and took her first plane ride, she knew she had to learn how to fly. When other women were looking for husbands, Amelia took flying lessons.

Amelia Earhart has always been one of my favorite heroines! She’s a wonderful subject for a story. And you really gave me a sense of who she was in less than 50 words…Good job!!! Thank you so much for joining in the fun here, Lynda…it’s lovely to meet you. 😉

Vivian, Wow what a lot of great 50 word stories! Congrats on the overwhelmingly amazing response that you received with your debut challenge. I almost hesitate to post…. such amazing talent. Well, here goes –

Catch A Bird
by Maria Marshall

Waiting,
birds bob on a branch,
a boy wiggles at the window.

Finally,
the feeder is full.

An excited bounce,
birds flee.
Still as stone,
birds return.

Click, click, click.

The first – blurry.
The second – just wing-tips.
The third – “Look Mom, I caught my first bird.”

Oh, I do LOVE this story, Maria! Perfect for spring, you’ve got a great setting, action, plot, sweet mc, and even tension. 😉 GREAT JOB! Thank you so much for entering the #50PreciousWords Contest, dear friend. 😉

Thanks Vivian for the encouragement to join in. It was great fun. Here is a second one – Like Julie, Christine, Johnell (and others) I think I am addicted too! Oops, did I say one more? It would be fun to collect them into an anthology! 🙂 [You have 80 + entries]

Here are few more – for fun – now back to work (I mean it!)…..

MARGARET KNIGHT

He stole her invention and patent.
She sued.
“She’s just a woman,” he told the jury. “How could she invent this?”
With two years of plans in notebooks,
a wooden sample machine, and
her roommate’s testimony;
she SHOWED how a woman invented the paper bag.
And won back her patent.

March roared in like a lion,
flooding the yard and
painting Easter basket flower beds.
Yellow, purple, pink, crimson, and white
colors dance in the breeze.
The big question –
will it be a lamb and bring back the sun,
for our Easter egg hunt,
or continue drooling and huffing?

Hello dear Maria…you are showing the depth and breath of your writing skills…three wonderful entries. I love how you managed to tell the entire story of Margaret Knight in 50 words or less. And I see my SARAH mentioned in your tribute to women inventors. And I am ready for that lamb of Spring to be frolicking, that’s for sure. 😉 Awesome job, Maria…thank you so much for supporting my challenge so enthusiastically. 😉

Hi Vivian, I am addicted….had to post a second one! Am loving these 50 word stories!

A Little Birdie Told Me
by Julie Abery

Grandma has a little bird
Who always tells on me.
She knows I picked her favourite flowers
And climbed the apple tree.
She knows I painted on the wall,
That’s why I’m in my bed.
But as the birds can’t see me here,
I’ll climb the shelves instead!

Spring is inspiring lots of us to write about birds, Julie! Welcome back with your second entry…woo-hoo! I hope your mc is careful as she climbs the shelf…sounds like her mom needs to let her run and play outside.:) This story is lots of fun, Julie…and I thank you for joining in again. Having to tell a story in only 50 words is a great exercise for our writing muscles. 😉

Hello Rita…I know that EVERYONE here is going to identify with your story! We do have to keep chugging along…that’s for sure. Thank you so much for participating with such enthusiasm and effort..I truly appreciate you! And I love the story, even if it is not geared for children…although, in a way, it is…they, too, deal with revision and the need to try try again. 😉

Thanks so much Vivian. re story. You’re right. don’t we all have to learn to write our best story called life and that takes a dream and lots of trail and error. Never thought of this like that before you said it.

Rita trembled with cold.
She wore sweaters, coats, hats, scarfs, mittens, quilts, blankets.
Until Rita heard a yelp from a hole.
She couldn’t fit.
She threw off the blankets, quilts, mittens, scarfs, hats, coats, sweaters.
She squeezed in.
She tucked the puppy in blankets.
Puppy found home.
Rita found warmth.

You are just some crazy kind of girl!!!! Another entry…and I LOVE it. Thank you, Ritia…I am so very thrilled you are having such fun with the contest. 😉 This one is just beautiful…so happy for puppy and ‘Rita’. 😉

Hello Nadine…how lovely to meet you…I went over to your blog and read your entry. It is brilliant! Thank you so much for joining in he fun! I shared it on Facebook and Twitter. Do you want to copy and paste it here…or would you rather keep it on your blog so people will come and visit you there?

The new dishwasher squeezed into the kitchen.
We got the box.
Mae and I magicked it into a castle.
We added rooms,
windows,
and towers.
We grew gardens,
forests,
and oceans.
We sailed to the edge of the world,
and into the stars.
Then the truck brought our new REFRIGERATOR.

WOW! I can remember playing in the big appliances boxes…and my kids loved to do it…and my grandson as well. I’ve always said that when people spend a lot of money on gadgets and toys, the kids would rather have the box. What a splendid entry into the contest, Jill. Great use of language and the element of three! And I love the twist at the end…who knows what they will magic that into. 😉 Thank you so much for playing along. 😉

Hi, Vivian. A few years ago I wrote a poem in honor of Dr. Seuss. It was shorter than 50 words! I changed a few words and added a few more lines – which I think helped qualify it as a picture book for little ones in addition to being a poem. I am far from being a Dr. Seuss, but here goes. Thanks for the fun challenge.

Oh Janet…what great fun! What a perfect pb/board book for little kids. I love the rhythm…I can just feel those toes tip-tapping. Thank you for joining in and playing along with my challenge. I’m having a ball, reading all of these wonderful stories. 😉

Vivian, Thanks for the fun opportunity to write something new . . . and a little bit Irish 🙂
Ann

THE LEGEND OF THE LUCKY CLOVER
The wee fairies watched as their clever princess hid beneath the clover, lying in wait.
“Ribbit, ribbit,” croaked Prince Brendan, hopping into the patch of green.
Quick as lightning, Princess Bridget flitted out of hiding, landed on his nose, and kissed him.
Magic swirled, and love and luck win again!

Sure and begorrah! So happy to see your story here, Ann! Thank you for jumping in to participate with #50PreciousWords…just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. I love your happy ending…hurray for Princess Bridget and Prince Brendan. 😉

Thank you so much for playing along, Patricia…and with such a fun St. Patrick’s Day inspired story, no less!!!! I love your yickety yickety yak refrain…very kid friendly. 😉 Too bad he didn’t leave the gold behind…but at least you got a magical cat…wonder what will happen now? 🙂 😉

Hello Vivian, I’m a little late to your party because I just discovered your blog! This contest was so tantalizing but…the shorter = the simpler = the harder to write! (And I thought the last 214-word story contest I tried was hard, LOL!!!) Many thanks for the wonderful challenge! Here’s my goofy attempt, which comes out at 46 words (49 if you count the note).

Hurray! Hello Kate…so lovely to meet you! And I’m leaving this one up because your comment is so lovely…and I do understand about the illustration note that you didn’t want to have there. 😉 I LOVE your story! Will write more in my next comment. 😉

No worries, Kate…I think my blog is set up so that only me, the admin, can edit comments. I’m thrilled you found me and the #50PreciousWords Contest…pass the word…there are still a few more days for others to enter. 😉

I’m so happy you joined in with my challenge, Nancy! I’m also a fan of little monkeys and I love all the action in your story…shimmy, swing, scamper, and sing…lots of fun!!! Thank you so much for playing along.

Hi again, Kate! YES! I love your story…and I truly think you have a gem of an idea here for a great picture book. The Silverware family…perfect. And how many times have I tried to rescue a spoon that fell down into the garbage disposal? Too many to count! Thank you, thank you…for joining in and playing along.

Dear Easter Bunny, thank you for
the many treats you left me.
I love the chewy caramel eggs
and cream-filled, chocolate chickie.
I’m only sorry that I missed
the pink marshmallow bunny.
I found it stuck to Grandpa’s pants…
to him, it’s not so funny.

Oh my goodness…how many times has that happened to me…sit down on something soft and squishy and it sticks to you! I love your story, Leslie…and I’m so happy you joined in the #50PreciousWords fun…love the rhyme at the end…and what a perfect story for Easter. I also like the format of a letter to the Easter Bunny! Only problem is…now I am hungry for chocolate…gotta go and get me some. 😉

Hello Delfina…how lovely to meet you! I always loved nonfiction and biographies…but nonfiction these days is nothing like it was when I was a kid. Now I love writing it also. 🙂 And Brave Girl is such a great story…lucky you to have gotten to hear the author speak. 😉 And hurray…I see you have entered my little challenge. 🙂

Bark!
It is midnight
And I see a ghost!
No, wait
Raccoon! It is a raccoon!
And I hear a ghost!
No, wait
Cat! It is a cat!
Bark!
It is midnight
And there is a scary thing
But don’t worry
Go back to sleep
I will protect you
Bark!

This is awesome, Morgan….I love that Dog is watching out for his family even though he is afraid…now we can all sleep soundly. 😉 Great tension and pacing! Thank you so much for participating in my little challenge. I am so amazed at the depth and breath of the entries. It’s lovely to meet you…and I’m thrilled you joined in the fun. 😉

Jackrabbit found the egg under the cactus.
“It looks so lonely!” he thought.
“I’ll protect it.”
Along came a rattlesnake!
“Stay away!”
The snake came closer.
“Leave this egg alone!”
The snake came closer.
Then–crack! Out came a baby…
rattlesnake!
“Thanksss for keeping my baby sssafe!”
said mama snake.

Oh Deborah! This is fabulous! And I love the surprise at the end. Well done! Do you want to grab your story and post it here also? I don’t want anyone to miss reading it…but it is up to you. 😉 Thank you for hopping on board.

Hi Vivian! I have arrived at your awesome post twice, once through 12X12 and again through Reforemo. (I love the book Brave Girl, btw.) So, I thought I’d give your contest the old college try. I love a challenge, sometimes. As I am currently skiing with my kiddos, this is what came to mind…

HOW TO SKI IN THREE EASY LESSONS(50 words)

The first lesson of skiing: start easy.
You never want to just…ooops!
All right. Time for lesson two: how to…
SLOW DOWN!
Uh-oh! We’d better get right to lesson three: stopping.
Or, you can just sit down. That works, too.
Hey! Where are you going?
Hot chocolate?
Wait for me!

Hello Elisabeth…I’m so happy you stopped by again…and this time with a wonderful entry into the challenge.
Yes, they say we should write what we know…how perfect you are skiing with your kids and used that experience to come up with a GREAT story. I love it. I, too, have been skiing with my kids…and for me, the hot chocolate was definitely something to look forward to. 😉
I enjoyed the humor of the story…and the super words: ooops, SLOW DOWN, uh-oh! So happy you joined in!

I happened to visit Angie Karcher’s RhyPiBoMo FB group today and noticed Stuart Carruthers had posted his story there in the comments. Here is Stuart’s entry to #50PreciousWords. Thank you so much, Stuart! This seems like it will be quite sad and gloomy…and then…oh my goodness…hilarious! Thank you so much for joining in the fun!

Silent and Deadly
by Stuart Carruthers

Death arrived in early morning,
Giving Henry little warning.
A skeletal figure in deep black cowl
Came through the wall with a smell so fowl.
“Pe-ew!”he cried, “What’s so odorous?”
“SORRY MATE, I’M REALLY NERVEROUS.”
So Henry died and became a ghost,
With fingers stuffed tight up his nose.

Howdy Anne…I’m so happy you stopped by with your wonderful story for the contest! And what a clever idea…don’t we all have those favorite little nicknames/love names for our kids or partners. 😉 My husband called our daughter ‘Pooch’…you’ve got some classics here in your story. Thank you so much for joining in the fun!

You go, girl! Great job, Sue…I love the rhyme…and you’ve got a great beginning, a fun middle, and a VERY satisfying ending. 😉 The perfect day for a little kid! Thank you so much for joining the fun and participating in the contest!

On a windy day,
Teddy’s sailing with me.
He comes along,
So I don’t stray.
Jumping from the docks,
Monkey swings by.
Giraffe and Hippo join in,
As the boat… rocks.
Elephant leaps, Teddy cries “nay.”
The boat tilts… water sprays.
Now we’re loving a swim,
On a windy day.

Oh goodness…did everyone fall in? Oh well, sounds like they are having a great time…as will everyone who reads your lovely story, Diane! Thank you so much for hopping on board and writing an entry for the contest. I love all the animals who are joining in the fun also. 😉

Hey! A rabbit in the yard.
Catching him will not be hard.
Carrot for bait.
Lie down to wait.
I wait.
And wait.
And wait some more.
I wait until my wait-er’s sore.
Lunchtime comes.
I eat the carrot.
If he shows up I will share it.

Hello Marie…so nice to meet you. 😉 And I loved your story…it made me laugh. I think that would happen to me as well…I LOVE carrots! Great rhyme and I love the surprise twist at the end. Thank you so much for joining in the fun!

I’m posting another story from one of my dear writer friends. Thank you so much, Sherri, for playing along. With all of these wonderful entries, #50PreciousWords is getting better and better! And I love your idea of a correspondence between cat and dog. 😉 And I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get the image of the dog bed posted…readers will just have to use their imagination, I guess. 😉

DOG AND CAT LETTERS by Sherri Jones Rivers

Dear Cat:
A friendly furry reminder that the new pet bed is mine.

Dear Dog:
I found it first, and besides, it matches my blue collar.

Dear Cat:
I am traveling to visit cousins Fido and Milo. It goes with me.

My first reaction to your challenge, when I ran across it in 12 x 12 was — Ahhh! I can’t ever write anything that short! And then, this unfurled in my mind. So thanks for the inspiration and the gauntlet thrown. Here is my tiny tome:

Arden’s Garden

Snip.
I cut with scissors.
Rip.
Trees.
Flowers and a bench.
Bees.
I paint the sky blue and grass green.
I cut string beans. Nineteen!
I arrange.
Snick, a statue.
I rearrange.
I paste.
Sticky fingers.
I taste.
Ick!
I layer, more paste.
Next, glitter glue.
Here, there.
I’m through.

Hello Brenda…I am getting to meet the most wonderful people through this challenge. Thank you so much for picking up the gauntlet and coming up with this lovely story! I really enjoyed the inner rhyme and the images were fantastic. So happy you joined in the fun!

Yes…50 words is not a lot…but obviously it is enough to tell some pretty lovely stories! I’m truly humbled by the response to the contest, Brenda…and everyone who knows me, knows my dearest joy is connecting with others…so this has actually been so much fun for me. I had set the deadline at 6pm Friday, March 18…so I guess there could be some coming in until then. Tomorrow night is DEFINITELY going to be a long night…I want to post the winners on Saturday’s Will Write for Cookies interview with Nancy Churnin. 😉

Thank you for the good wishes, Brenda. And yes, I agree…connecting is like breath for me. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you. I can’t take credit for the green on each comment bar…but it’s perfect for today. 😉

Hurray…I’m so happy to see an entry from my dear Beth…thank you for joining in the fun! I absolutely love the lyricism…your words took me to another realm of beauty where Spider’s masterpiece is a precious gem in Mother Nature’s treasure chest. BEAUTIFUL! And I’m so glad Spider was able to finish her work and get some rest…hope you do as well. 🙂

Hello Sherry Lynn…thank you so much for participating in #50PreciousWords. And your story is precious! I love all the color words…I can see this as a really cute board book that teaches colors to little ones. Maybe with flaps. 😉
I really appreciate you joining in the fun…glad you saw it on KidLit411. 😉

You are so welcome,Sherry Lynn…my whole life has been about reaching out and connecting and letting others know how much I appreciate them. The response to the contest has been AMAZING…I am thrilled to respond to each and every person who took up the challenge. 😉

Fabulous, Linda! I’m so glad you entered…and I love your story about friendship. And I love the idea of a book that two friends share. 🙂 Do you want to copy and paste it into the comments to make sure everyone gets to read it?

Cam was moving.
“I know,” Annie said. “Let’s share an imaginary friend.”
“Annie, we’ll hardly play with each other anymore.”
“But Cam…we can have a book where we write about our imaginary friend’s adventures.”
“You get the book first. When we see each other again, I’ll get it.”
“Yay!”

Thank you for the contest and for recommending Brave Girl. I haven’t seen or read it, so will have to check it out! Here is my entry:

Hailey chose her favorite red crayon and drew a circle on the wall. Around that, she drew five more. With her the yellow crayon, she filled in the circles.
Mommy walked in. “Hailey!”
Hailey dropped her hand. She was in big trouble.
“That’s the most beautiful flower I’ve ever seen!”

Awwww…I love this! I’m so glad Mommy saw the beauty Hailey had created and not the mess on the wall. Terrific story, Linda…and I’m so glad to meet you. Thank you so much for joining in the fun and entering the contest!

There totally has to be a special prize for you, Rita! The girl with the mostest entries into the contest! I am so so so happy you’ve had such a good time with it. And I’ve had the best time, reading all of your stores.This one is so clever…and so true…I have an older sister and this is EXACTLY what would have happened. Thank you, friend, for your support of the #50PreciousWords Contest. 😉

LOL! if you knew how little I am , you’d know why I try so hard.but really it was just plain FUN! After a whole week( and more coming) of a scriptwriting course where all the films and scripts were made for adult movies, except mine, where I was SO embarrased and felt SO uncool by youngsters 30 down. I’ve truly never seen so many depressing movies in my life.And the scenes… I even closed my eyes in some and people saw me and laughed. Such a different world from children’s writing especially children’s books. Hand on my heart, Thank God for KIDLIT and its community.

Minty the mermaid loved burgers. One day, she took off her fin and went up to human land. There, she ate many, many burgers. But when she was ready to go home, she could no longer fit into her fin.
“I should have eaten fruits and vegetables instead!” Minty cried.

Hi Sheilane…what a fun story you’ve given us! I think I know just how Minty feels..sometimes my clothes feel a bit too tight after I’ve eaten a bit too much. 😉 I really appreciate you coming over to the contest…thank you for playing along. 😉

I wanted to click my sparkly red heels together and say, “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” And isn’t that true, Charlene. 🙂 Thank you so much for posting a story for the contest. I love all of your opposites…great way for kids to learn them and it also make it an interactive story…even kids who can’t read yet can guess what the matching word will be. Well done!

Hi Vivian, Thank you for doing this 50 words or less stories. I love it! I enjoy reading the stories already shared. It has got me working and thinking. I am an illustrator and love adding words to the stories my paintings show. I do not have a blog yet. Here is my story.

WOW…how did you know that sunflowers are my favorite flowers, Jennifer? No joke!
I love your story…what a mystery…good tension…and a miracle for Dahna.
Thank you so much for entering the contest…it’s a joy to see so many lovely stories. 😉

Shadowman stalks my steps.
I stop, but he waits for me.
He out-sprints me uphill.
Tumbles down on my heels.
Together, we crouch, jump, and spin.
My light sabre drawn, Be Gone, I say.
But he aims his sabre uphill.
A Martian invader!
We must defend.
Ready, set, CHARGE, Shadowman!

Until the day Apple disappeared, Kiki seemed to be an ordinary little girl. Something about Apple’s disappearance changed her. She zinged with special powers. They did not help her find Apple. So she lounged about zapping flowers, blasting carrots. After a particularly large display Apple returned, but as a Fizzawumpapottamus.

Hello Tara! I am SO GLAD you wrote another entry. I love your title…it makes me want to read more. And I am dying to see what a Fizzawumpapottamus looks like. Lots of fun, Tara…and I do thank you for playing along with the challenge. 😉

How lovely, Suzy! Great rhyme and terrific subject…and I’m so glad Noah is finding lots of beach treasures…I remember pockets bulging with shells…along with lots of sand that my mom had to clean out before she put the shorts in the wash. 😉 Thank you so much for joining the fun!

Thank you for the contest! It’s always fun to take on a challenge and to explore the work of others. I am a retired fourth grade teacher and I love writing for middle grade readers as well as young children. Most of all, I love teaching kids to write. I’m in the process of creating a middle grade writers’ group as an outlet for those kids who LOVE to write.

In Chicago
Lived a girl
Who loved to swim, dance, and act!
Theater led to Hollywood.
But Hollywood didn’t lead to fame.
She was accused of being a communist!
Seeking Ronald Reagan, actor, helper, and lover,
led to the White House, as first lady.

Tina…I absolutely love this…a pb biography in 50 words or less…that is impressive. And I’m so glad you did a tribute to Nancy Reagan. First Ladies don’t often get the recognition they deserve…it must be an extremely difficult job. Your story was informative AND engaging…great job! I’m thrilled you played along with the challenge. 😉

Thanks so much, Vivian! I had so much fun writing it. I was inspired by the morning sky a few days ago. Amazing how the sky changes so much throughout the day. My favorite is when it’s dark and sunny at the same time…and then it rains! So cool! I hope you have fun reading and judging all these phenomenal stories. Thanks so much for this challenge! Talk about cutting words!

Lori, Lori, Lori!!! Thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone and putting up your wonderful story. It’s a thrill to have so many critique buddies and friends supporting this challenge! I really engaged with your mc…and I’m so happy that she, too, is going to leap and soar, reaching out to make new friends. 😉

Vivian, I love your review of BRAVE GIRL. It’s on my reading list. You highlighted so many great points about the book that will inspire today’s readers, while also inspiring me to be a “Brave Girl” and enter your 50 Precious Words Contest.

I’m so glad you enjoyed the review, Lori. I knew this story…the ‘real’ story about the Shirtwaist Factory Fire…and I was amazed at how beautifully the author and illustrator captured Clara’s spirit and determination. And yes…I’m really pleased that you entered the contest…WELL DONE!

Nothing like waiting till the last day! *Phew*
Here is my 50 word story!
Thank you, Vivian, for this fabulous contest! What an amazing exercise for any writer! :O) Enjoy!

Nancy’s Ants

Nancy loved her new ant farm.
Nancy’s parents loved that bugs were contained.
They went to breakfast, on the bus, to school, to the playground, to ballet, dinner, movie and popcorn, and slept on the couch with Nancy.
The next morning, Nancy’s parents sat and ate breakfast.
With Nancy’s ants.

Your story brought back so many memories, Monica. I LOVED watching ants when I was a kid and wanted one of those ant farms…of course, we lived in the city and my mom said NO. What a fun entry into the contest…thank you so much for playing along. 😉

Vivian,
I love that you could relate! My parents never let me have an ant farm either! This is all about my days at as a mom- when my girls bring in bugs- in jars … Then minutes later… ??? The search is on… ☺️ Here’s to a fabulous contest! 🌟

MORE
More jokes
More laughter
More hugs
More books
More smiles
More listening
More sleep
More peace
More dancing
More music
More kisses
More nature
More play
More walks
More wonder
More wandering
Less fear
Less fighting
Less hunger
Fewer tears
Cuddling up for a story at night
Just right

I love your sentiments, Lindsey…yes, more of the good stuff and less of the bad. I’m voting for that! Thank you so much for joining in the fun…I’m so thrilled with all of the wonderful entries…it’s absolutely amazing!

What a great topic, Robin. I think we do need to help kids learn to reach out to others and be sensitive to their needs. And I love that your mc really SEES the man…and wants to help. Thank you so much…I’m so happy to meet you…and really appreciate your participation in my little (as in..very little) challenge of only 50 words.

I look forward to reading Brave Girl!
In the meantime, here’s my 50 word story (a very abbreviated version of a longer WIP). You can supply your own ending because I ran out of words before I could 🙂 Thanks Vivian for this great contest!

Jay’s Dilemma

A hungry jay cries “hooray!”
He sees peanuts on a windowsill.
Jay dives from his tree. He picks up one peanut with his beak…
Hey, hey, hey, Jay can pick up two!
Jay wants three peanuts to eat in his tree, but his beak is full…
What would you do?

Hey, hey…I would eat one right then and there! What a fun story, Linda. It reminds me of when I used to go to a restaurant for their buffet meal…my eyes were bigger than my stomach, for sure. 😉 Thank you so much for hopping over and playing along with the challenge.

Whatever you do,
Do not think about a dragon.
This story is about a pig.
Aaaah! You were still thinking…
Dragon.
Poor pig.
What did you say?
The pig has what?
And she’s brave?
Good bye dragon!
See? This story is about a pig.
What?
You’re right. And a dragon.

Oh, this is funny, Stefanie…it makes me think of The Stinky Cheese Man book. I think that would be a great story with a dragon and a pig…quite an unusual pairing. 😉 I’m so glad you put up a story for the contest…thank you for joining in. 😉

I wished for a washboard
So that I could play
Some music with mom
or my friends, everyday

I’d make lots of rhythms
Then guess what I’d do?
I’ll give you my washboard
And you could play, too!

I wished for a washboard
To make music my own
And today I am happy

Mom brought one home!

Thank you so very much, dear Daria! I’m thrilled you got this story to me intime…and more than that, I’m just so happy you played along! I love your rhyme and the message of sharing music…which is what you are all about. 🙂

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Minh would miss celebrating his birthday in Vietnam.
He used to decorate his toy elephant with yellow and red ribbons.
Grandmother made moon-shaped cakes, yummy fruits, and coconut candy.
Now playing with his new friends would be the best treat.